Orchidectomy in India

There are different forms with different purposes. Radical inguinal orchidectomy removes one testicle and its cord through a groin cut, so cancer cells are not spread into the scrotum. Simple or subcapsular orchidectomy, done through the scrotum, removes the testosterone-producing tissue to treat hormone-sensitive prostate cancer.

The operation is short and often done as a day case or with one night in hospital. After removal of one testicle, the other usually keeps hormone levels and fertility normal. Removing both stops most testosterone production permanently, which has lasting effects on energy, sex drive and bones.

How this approach differs

For suspected cancer, the groin (inguinal) route is the standard because it controls the blood and lymph supply first. The scrotal route is used for hormone therapy in prostate cancer and for non-cancer reasons. Doctors avoid scrotal biopsy when cancer is suspected.

Who needs orchidectomy

• A testicular lump or scan finding suspicious for cancer
• Advanced prostate cancer, as a one-time alternative to hormone injections
• A testicle badly damaged by twisting (torsion), infection or injury
• An undescended testicle found late in adults, in some cases
• Gender-affirming care, after specialist assessment

How it is done

1. Ultrasound and blood tumour markers (AFP, beta-hCG, LDH) are checked before testicular cancer surgery.
2. Sperm banking is offered before surgery if fertility matters to you.
3. Under general or spinal anaesthesia, a groin or scrotal cut is made depending on the reason.
4. The cord is tied off and the testicle removed; in subcapsular surgery, only the inner tissue is taken.
5. A silicone testicular prosthesis may be placed if you wish.
6. The tissue is sent to the laboratory for testing.

Before you travel to India

• Scrotal ultrasound images and reports
• Tumour marker blood tests, and CT scans if already done
• For prostate cancer, PSA history, biopsy and staging scans
• Plans for sperm banking, which can be arranged in India before surgery
• Supportive underwear for comfort after the operation

Recovery and flying home

• Most patients go home the same or next day
• Swelling and bruising settle over one to two weeks
• Light activity soon after; avoid heavy lifting and sport for a few weeks
• International patients usually stay in India about one week for wound review and the pathology report
• Cancer follow-up at home includes scans and markers; after both are removed, bone health and hormone effects are monitored

Risks

• Bleeding or blood collection in the scrotum
• Wound infection
• Groin numbness or ongoing pain
• Hot flushes, low libido and bone thinning after removal of both testicles
• Emotional impact on body image

Alternatives

• Hormone injections or tablets instead of surgical castration for prostate cancer
• Testis-sparing surgery for very small lesions in selected cases
• Antibiotics or detorsion for infection or early torsion when the testicle can be saved

Conditions treated

• Prostate Cancer

Hospitals in India for orchidectomy

• Medanta - The MedicityDelhi NCR
• AIG Hospitals, GachibowliHyderabad
• Aster MedcityKochi
• Artemis HospitalDelhi NCR
• Indraprastha Apollo HospitalsDelhi NCR
• BLK-Max Super Speciality HospitalDelhi NCR
• Apollo Multispecialty Hospitals, KolkataKolkata
• Apollo Hospitals, Greams RoadChennai

How these hospitals compare

Specialists

• Dr Gagan GautamMedanta - The Medicity
• Dr Anil MandhaniFortis Memorial Research Institute
• Dr T B YuvarajaKokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital & Medical Research Institute
• Dr Himesh GandhiRuby Hall Clinic
• Dr Mallikarjuna Reddy NYashoda Hospitals, Hitec City
• Dr Puneet AhluwaliaMedanta - The Medicity

Frequently asked questions

Medically reviewed by The Curaventa Team. Last updated 2026-10-27. General information, not medical advice. Medical editorial board · Editorial policy · How we get prices